Special Redevelopment Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) from highly experienced and qualified legal counsel to serve as Special Redevelopment Counsel. These critical services will involve representing the City in all municipal redevelopment matters, operating directly under the guidance and supervision of the City's Office of Corporation Counsel. The comprehensive scope of work encompasses providing expert legal advice and representation in general litigation, demonstrating specialized knowledge of the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, and possessing deep expertise in land use law, tax abatements, local public contracts, and complex zoning regulations. Counsel will also be responsible for reviewing Contracts of Sale, and drafting essential documents such as Redevelopment Agreements, Financial Agreements, and Escrow Agreements, alongside a specialized understanding of bonds related to redevelopment projects. Services will be engaged on an "as needed" basis, including attending various municipal meetings and providing other specialized legal support as required. Prospective contractors must exhibit strong professional, financial, and administrative capabilities. Essential qualifications include a proven track record of litigation success in Federal, Superior, Appellate, and Workers’ Compensation courts. Respondents must demonstrate extensive legal expertise in Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, land use law, municipal tax abatements, public contract compliance, and zoning. Mandatory compliance with New Jersey statutes is strictly enforced, including N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities), N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 (Business Registration), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). Firms must provide evidence of appropriate federal and state licenses and disclose malpractice insurance coverage limits. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated in the solicitation document. RFQ submissions must be precisely received by the City of East Orange Division of Procurement no later than 12:00 P.M. on December 11, 2019. Submissions must be individually sealed and delivered via mail or hand-delivery to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Electronic submissions (facsimile or email) will be explicitly rejected. Each submission requires one original (unbound), four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set of all materials. Required documentation includes an executive summary, executed Letters of Qualification and Intent, detailed business organization information, proof of licenses, malpractice insurance details, client references, attorney resumes, and various New Jersey-mandated compliance certifications. For questions or to obtain RFQ copies, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, by telephone at (973) 266-5162, or via fax at (862) 444-0101.